Educational Effectiveness

Educational Effectiveness

Candler School of Theology is committed to educating faithful and creative leaders for the church’s ministries in the world. In order to assess its effectiveness in fulfilling that mission, the school attends to a number of metrics, including completion rates within degree programs and placement rates following graduation

Master of Divinity (MDiv)

The MDiv, Candler’s primary degree program, is a professional degree intended for persons preparing for service in the parish or for other forms of ministry. Over the last decade (i.e, beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2007) 82 percent of students matriculating in the program have successfully completed it, with 71 percent of full-time students doing so within three years. According to the most recent placement data (covering students graduating in 2016-2017), 90 percent of students have secured employment after graduation, with 59 percent working in church-related ministries.

Master of Theological Studies (MTS)

The MTS degree is intended for persons who wish to pursue post-baccalaureate study in theology or religion without the objective of preparing for ordained ministry. In the 2015-2016 academic year, graduates achieved an average of 93 percent on the capstone exercise (which may take the form of either a thesis or an integrative paper) designed to measure student achievement of the program outcomes. In the last decade, more than 81 percent of students matriculating the degree have completed it, with 68 percent of full-time students doing so in two years. According to the most recent placement data (covering students graduating in 2016-2017), 100 percent of students either had secured employment or were planning to pursue further education after graduation.

Master of Theology (ThM)

The ThM is designed for students who have already completed a master’s degree in religion or theology and wish to deepen their knowledge of a particular area in order to enhance their vocational preparation or ministry. In the 2015-2016 academic year, graduates achieved an average of 90 percent on the capstone project designed to measure student achievement of the program outcomes. Over the last decade, 88 percent of students who matriculated in the program have completed it, with 55 percent doing so within two semesters.

Master of Religious Leadership (MRL)

The MRL is designed to enhance the leadership potential of those interested in Christian service. Full-time students may complete the degree in two years, but it is also designed for part-time students over four years. Since the degree began in 2014, 55 percent have completed it, and 45 percent have completed it in two years. According to the most recent placement data (covering students graduating in 2016-2017), 33 percent of students either had secured employment or were planning to pursue further education after graduation.

Master of Religion in Public Life (MRPL)

The MRPL explores the dynamics of faith in the public sphere. It can be completed in one year of full-time study but most students elect to complete it on a part time basis over several years, typically three or four years. Since the degree began in 2015, 50 percent of the students have completed the program, with 40 percent completing it in one year. Because the MRPL is designed for those already engaged in professional life, a high percentage of graduates are employed after graduation; in 2016-2017 it was 100 percent.

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

The DMin is designed for experienced ministers who want to strengthen the connection between theology and ministry practice. The program accepted its first cohort in the fall of 2014, and 76 percent completed the degree within three years. Since the programs requires students to be in a professional position throughout the degree, placement data is not relevant.